The C-Class has been the best-selling model of Mercedes-Benz manufacturer of top of the line for the past 25 years. This is also the reason why when the coming of the fourth generation C-Class was announced, Mercedes had to take into account the traditional owners and at the same time try to attract young buyers who are more interested in sports sedan.
To solve this problem the 2008 C-Class that hit Canadian showrooms have two distinctly different appearing models. The new models are based on the 3.0 liter DOHC V6 model called the C300 and C300 Sport; while the C350 Sport was based on the 3.5 liter DOHC V6. The models are identified by the different grille that they have. The C300 and C350 are identified by their classic louvered grille which is intended to attract those conservative buyers. On the other hand the C300 Sport and C350 Sport are given the big ring with three-pointed start that used to be reserved exclusively for its highest two-door performance cars such as the SL.
The overall styling cues were derived from the premium luxury CLS sedan with an upward wave from the hood that flows over the concave roofline to a swooping rear deck. The aggressive looking Sport may also be equipped with an AMG sports package that includes lower front and rear aprons and side skirts.
For Europe there would be eight models of which will include three diesels and it does not include whatever AMG, the Mercedes-Benz in-house tuner company does. However, the company assures that customers who prefer AMG on their Mercedes such as an AMG C-Class with a 5.5 liter or 6.3 liter V8 is possible.
The pricing of the fourth generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Canada is scheduled for released hopefully by the end of August. But unlike the current model the fourth generation will be priced slightly higher. Just like what Mercedes-Benz Canada did with the E-Class last year, more content will also be added but with the same price as that of the previous model.
Both C-Class models will employ V6, quad cam engines of 3.0 liters and 3.5 liters respectively. The 3.0 liter produces 231 hp and 300 lb/ft of torque while the 3.5 liters revs up 272 hp and a full 350 lb/ft of torque.
A diesel C-Class may also be introduce by the end of this year and hopefully will come equipped with the eco-friendly Bluetec V6. It would be better if Mercedes-Benz can couple their gasoline engines with a seven-speed electronic automatic transmission. There is already a six-speed manual offered on the C280 in Europe.
The 3.0 liter engine enables the C-Class to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only a matter of 7.3 seconds. Its tops speed is 250 km/h and record a fuel economy of 9.4L/100 km combined city/highway. The 3.5 liter can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h by almost a second to 6.4 seconds with top speed limited to 250 km/h with an estimated fuel rating if 9.7L/100 km.
The suspension is same for both with three links at the front plus coil springs and stabilizer bar. The gas shocks has an amplitude-dependent damping system called Agility Control which stabilizes the body of the vehicle no matter how hard the shocks are or even when the shocks are not working properly.
The rear suspension is the latest innovation of the legendary Mercedes-Benz multi-link independent system. It possess both anti-squat and anti-dive built in which means that the rear will not go down once the gas is hit and will not go up when the brakes are applied. The gas shocks have also amplitude-dependent damping and a hefty stabilizer bar.
And probably for released next year is the Advanced Agility package and thanks to the cutting-edge computers the system provides a choice of tow gearshift/handling programs called Sport or Comfort. Although the system is complex meaning each shock absorber is infinitely variable, but all four work together to provide quality ride and handling capabilities. In the sport mode, the body is also lowered by 15 mm while the transmission is remapped for crisper shifts. Brakes are comprised of discs located at all four corners plus of course don't forget ABS, Brake Assist and electronic stability control (ESP) which are offered as standard safety features on all Mercedes-Benz cars.
